My hubby was having hallucinations as well as delusions, he was seeing people in the house, mountain lions on the deck, thinking I was having numerous boyfriends visiting all hours of the day & night and it was making him angry and volatile. I was afraid of him; this man never even raised his voice to me in 45 years. I met with his neurologist and he placed him in a behavioral center (They have a wing for dementia patients) for 2 weeks and they were able to find the right mix of meds and therapy to help him. The med's cause him to sleep more; however, it made a huge difference in his behavior. He rarely has delusions now and he is much calmer. I understand where you are right now and it is very difficult to know what to do, hopefully, your Dr can help with new med's.
July 7
Dealing with a loved one's hallucinations can be really challenging and emotionally draining. A myALZteam member shared: "I don't know how to deal with the hallucinations. No amount of talking seems to help." You're definitely not alone in feeling this way.
Here are some practical tips that may help:
- Offer reassurance — Show Full Answer
Dealing with a loved one's hallucinations can be really challenging and emotionally draining. A myALZteam member shared: "I don't know how to deal with the hallucinations. No amount of talking seems to help." You're definitely not alone in feeling this way.
Here are some practical tips that may help:
- Offer reassurance — Let them know they are safe and that you are there with them
- Use distraction — Try looking at old photos, listening to familiar music, or going for a walk
- Be honest but gentle — You don't need to pretend you're experiencing what they are, but acknowledge their feelings
- Avoid arguments — Trying to convince them the hallucination isn't real can lead to frustration for both of you
- Stick to a routine — Predictable daily schedules may reduce how often hallucinations occur
- Look for patterns — Note when and where hallucinations happen and try adjusting lighting, noise levels, or furniture It's also worth talking to their healthcare provider. They can review medications that might be contributing to hallucinations and suggest other ways to manage symptoms. In some cases, medication may be recommended, but it's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits carefully with the doctor before making any decisions.
July 1